Grocery Shopping (Vegan Style)

I get asked a lot about veganism. It is becoming more well-known in today’s society and it seems with the way obesity rates are rising, more people are becoming health conscious. I am vegan for more reasons than one, but whatever reason it is that piques a persons interest is enough for me to share my knowledge about the lifestyle.

Here are a few common questions I get asked:

Is eating vegan expensive?

Where do you get your protein?

How do you know what to buy while grocery shopping?

I could spend hours planning meals and writing down nutrients, but I wanted to take a different approach to these questions. I am going to let you in on a little part of my world (my favorite part): My grocery list!

I would like to note that my shopping is done each week for two people, both my husband and I. We tend to buy the same foods every week. Sometimes we will splurge on Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy ice cream, or maybe some type of other dessert or vegan veggie patties. For the most part we stick to only plant-based foods with a little indulgence every once in a while.

I will be breaking down my grocery list from last weeks trip to the store. This is our most recent buy which is basic and practical.

I would like to note that 90% of the food purchased is organic. I make it a point to buy organic and seasoned produce. Buying fruits and vegetables in season will cut cost down. Eating organic excuses you from taking in any of those nasty/harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that corporations just love feeding us.

Grocery List 6/12/17

Fruits:

lemons (x2)

bananas (x2)

blackberries (x2)

strawberries (x2 buy 1 get 1 free)

avocados (x3)

pineapple

mango’s (x3)

papaya

Note: A tip for fresh fruits (and vegetables): buy when marked down or bogo, wash/cut them and freeze for smoothies, oats, and quick meals.

Vegetables:

ginger (yes, this is technically classified as a vegetable)

green bell pepper (x2)

red bell pepper

onion

garlic

red cabbage

mushrooms

broccoli

spinach (x2 buy 1 get 1 free)

squash (x2)

cauliflower

sweet potato (x3)

1 bag of russet potatoes

romaine lettuce

Frozen Fruits & Vegetables:

I always tend to buy frozen fruits and vegetables to have handy for quick and easy meals when in a hurry.

blueberries (x2)

broccoli

California blend (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli)

Proteins:

raw cashews

1 packet of tempeh

1 packet of firm tofu

canned black beans (x2)

canned chickpeas (x2)

1 can of kidney beans

*Another way to cut cost would be to buy dried beans (but let’s be real, I’m just lazy).

Grains:

oats

corn tortillas

*Normally this is where BROWN RICE (because it is life!) would fit into, but we had a big bag already handy. Rice is a staple when eating vegan.

Spices/Sauces:

sriracha

marinara (x2 buy 1 get 1 free)

chili powder

maple syrup (not really a spice or sauce, but I use it like a sauce so why not give it a home in the sauce section)

Dairy-Free Milks:

almond milk!

*Normally buy cashew milk as well, it seems to taste better in coffee. We already had a big jug left over from the previous week.

Indulgences:

gluten free kale veggie patties

orange juice

grapefruit juice

dates

skinny pop cheddar popcorn

Total Cost:

$183.98 (for two people)

$91.99 (for one person)

Our weekly price goal for groceries is around $160. Sometimes we go under and other weeks when we run out of bulk items and have to restock the kitchen. Shopping vary’s from house hold to house hold, but should be viewed as a privilege and not a hindrance.

Food is the most important aspect of life, it literally gives you life! Food gives your body the proper amount of energy to go throughout your day comfortably. Spending the extra money or time on making sure that your body is getting what it needs is worth it.

Trust me on this:

If we do not properly fuel and feed our body the right nutrients, our bodies and wallets will pay for the damage happening now, in the future.